Backs Sudden Valley tax, update plan

I urge all homeowners in beautiful Sudden Valley to vote for the dues increase recommended by our board of trustees. Although a 48 percent increase sounds like a lot, it will take that much to correct a pattern of neglect that has been evident for many years since the Sudden Valley Community Association was formed in the 1970s. Sudden Valley has 55 miles of roads and culverts to maintain plus 19 parks, 7 playgrounds, 7 gate entrances, a golf course, a marina, tennis courts, and 11 major buildings that are decades old. The recommended annual dues — $1,235 or about $100 per month — is still less than what Birch Bay homeowners now pay ($1,320 annually). Let’s stop our ruinous pattern of “management by crisis.” A sensible plan of ongoing, preventative maintenance will pay off in terms of maintaining home values and community pride.

Bellingham

This story was originally published November 4, 2015 at 4:01 PM with the headline "Backs Sudden Valley tax, update plan."